Mass rescue and three lives saved on one of Wales' best beaches

RNLI lifeguards carried out a major rescue at Three Cliffs Bay after a rip current swept several beachgoers into difficulty during one of the busiest weekends of the year. The incident took place on Monday, May 25, during the Bank Holiday and half-term period, when warm weather drew large crowds to beaches across Swansea . It was one of several serious incidents attended by lifeguards during the week. The rescue began when two children were spotted being carried out to sea by a strong rip current. As lifeguards entered the water to assist them, further casualties were identified in difficulty further offshore, prompting a large-scale response involving multiple members of the lifeguard team. As the situation escalated, lifeguards rescued several adults who had become trapped in the current. At one stage, a man was seen disappearing beneath the surface and was pulled back to safety by a lifeguard. In total, seven people were rescued during the incident, with all casualties brought safely ashore. One adult male required medical treatment on the beach and was given oxygen while awaiting an ambulance. He was later discharged into the care of a family member. The rescue formed part of a busy half-term week for lifeguards across Swansea's coastline. Over the Bank Holiday weekend and school holiday period, RNLI lifeguards saved three lives and rescued seven people. Elsewhere, lifeguards at Aberavon Beach treated a casualty with a fracture and responded to several reports of missing children with support from HM Coastguard, Port Talbot Lifeboat and South Wales Police . At Langland Bay on 26 May, lifeguards carried out five separate assists involving beachgoers, mainly children who had found themselves out of their depth. Two missing-person incidents were also reported during the day. Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor said: "The rescue was part of a demanding half-term period for lifeguard teams across the Swansea region, with sustained call outs across multiple beaches throughout the week. "The team's swift and coordinated response meant that everyone who entered the water that afternoon made it home safely." An RNLI spokesperson said: "While the air temperature can become warm at this time of year, the sea is still cold and cold water shock remains a very real risk. "If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember Float To Live: Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged Relax and try to breathe normally Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once you have regained your energy, call for help. "If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice